
TRAFFIC JAM 2025: CHANGING LANES
Empowering Boys, Men, 2SLGBTQ+, and Indigenous Survivors
Join us in Ottawa at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre from February 19–21, 2025, for the Traffic Jam Conference, a transformative three-day event dedicated to empowering boys, men, 2SLGBTQ+, and Indigenous survivors of human trafficking. This year’s theme focuses on resilience and justice, highlighting the unique healing journeys of these often-overlooked groups. While significant progress has been made in combating human trafficking, this conference underscores the critical need for advocacy, resources, and support tailored to diverse communities. Through survivor-led workshops, impactful presentations, and collaborative discussions, participants will leave equipped to drive meaningful change. Keynote Speakers: John-Michael Lander: A former Olympic diving contender and survivor of sexual abuse, John-Michael shares his compelling story of resilience and healing. Trafficked into silence as a 14-year-old athlete, his journey is a powerful testament to the strength of survivors and the importance of justice. Armand King: A transformative leader with lived experience in gangs, incarceration, and Urban Domestic Human Sex Trafficking, Armand King is on a mission to inspire change. As an author and educator, he equips communities worldwide with tools for trafficking prevention, intervention, and systemic reform. Featured Presenter: Andrew Peirson: Professional athlete with the BC Lions and advocate for ending gender-based violence, Andrew actively collaborates with the White Ribbon Campaign to engage men and boys in building safer, more equitable communities. ​Stay tuned for the full agenda of presenters and sessions to be announced in the coming days.
TICKETS
Join us for the 2025 Traffic Jam Conference, a transformative event empowering boys, men, 2SLGBTQ+, and Indigenous survivors of human trafficking. Expect inspiring speakers, networking, and inclusive support. Special rates available for students and survivors. Together, let’s amplify resilience and justice. Secure your spot today!
​
Book your hotel below.
DOWNLOAD CONFERENCE ITINERARY

SPEAKER BIOS

Armand King, 43, is a transformative leader from San Diego who turned his experiences with gangs and human trafficking into a mission to guide others. As an author, speaker, and program developer, he creates impactful solutions for at-risk individuals. King's expertise in policy reform and court consulting has significantly influenced reentry programs and justice system practices.

John-Michael Lander, a former Olympic-bound athlete and sexual abuse survivor, is now a certified Trainer and Life Coach. He advocates for abuse prevention through his "Predatory Grooming Trifecta" concept, speaks globally on athletes' rights, and has authored books addressing male sexual abuse. Lander founded "An Athlete's Silence" and serves on The Army of Survivors Board of Directors.

Roger, a First Nations Elder from Mississauga First Nation #8, is a residential school survivor, retired justice worker, and Traditional Knowledge Keeper. He shares Anishnawbek traditions, teachings, and ceremonies through oral practices in diverse communities.

Joanne Van Hooser, "Jo-Joe," a Mohawk grandmother from Tyendinaga Territory, Turtle Clan, has 30+ years' experience supporting Indigenous youth, families, and communities. She focuses on child welfare, human trafficking, Truth and Reconciliation, and Indigenous advocacy through diverse roles and leadership.

Holly Wood is a legal scholar and advocate specializing in human trafficking. With degrees from Carleton University, she analyzes intersections of law, criminal justice, and human rights. Holly has worked with the Elizabeth Fry Society and government agencies, focusing on improving legal responses to human trafficking. Her research is published in academic journals, and she has presented at international conferences and to Parliament.

Andrew Peirson, a BC Lions athlete, advocates for social change, partnering with the White Ribbon Campaign to combat gender-based violence. He inspires youth through community outreach, promoting respect, mental health, and anti-bullying while championing a safer society.

Cranford Blackmon is a safety expert and educator who developed the FemVincible program to empower women and girls against violence. Motivated by a personal tragedy, he created innovative self-defense techniques that work for women of all ages and abilities. Blackmon's approach combines physical skills with psychological warfare, aiming to prevent attacks and create lasting generational change in women's safety.

Steven Procopio, ACSW, LICSW, is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in complex trauma among males. He founded the first U.S. program for sexually exploited boys, adolescent males, and trans youth. Procopio consults internationally on male victimization, serves on human trafficking task forces, and develops prevention programs. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work.

Marita Smith, a Registered Nurse and Sexual Health Educator, has over a decade of experience in Pediatric Emergency Care and as a Forensic Nurse Examiner for youth impacted by sexual violence. Since 2021, she’s provided trauma-informed, intersectional education on sexual health, abuse prevention, and care to healthcare providers and communities.

Kathleen Lanoue, a Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist with 23 years of experience, specializes in trauma, mental health, and high-risk populations. She supports clients exiting human trafficking, mentors professionals, and advises on trauma-informed care. Kathleen has presented widely, trained professionals in Nunavut, and contributed to provincial initiatives in psychotherapy and social work practice.

Lynn Bates, a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Departments at The Ottawa Hospital and CHEO, became a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner in 2018. Now CHEO's Care Facilitator for the Sexual Assault Care Program, she focuses on improving collaboration and access to care for victims of sexual violence, addressing human trafficking concerns in our community.

Matt Richardson, Director of Intelligence at ATII, is an expert in OSINT and Darkweb Intelligence. An international speaker, he leads complex investigations on sex trafficking and CSE offenders with global agencies. He co-authored a study on OnlyFans trafficking, contributes to media projects, and works passionately to make communities safer.

Joyce Muchan, a Cornell graduate and human rights advocate, has over 25 years of experience fostering student leadership through community-engaged learning. Founder of All Voices International, she amplifies voices harmed by the global sex trade and highlights its broader impacts. Joyce serves on multiple task forces addressing human trafficking and social justice issues across New York State.

Hennes Doltze, a social work and non-profit management professional, leads EmpowerMen, promoting safer communities. With expertise in mental health, child welfare, and justice, he trains globally on human trafficking, exploitation, and men's roles in addressing violence against women.

Andrea Wojtak, a senior expert in human trafficking, organized crime, and gender-based violence, has over 20 years of global experience. A former Assistant Crown Attorney, she advises on legislative reforms, victim-centered approaches, and justice system capacity building worldwide.

Emily Simunic, a coordinator with Disarm the Dark for over a decade, leads the North Country Human Trafficking Task Force. A specialist in feminist and critical policy analysis, she holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Concordia, critiquing Canadian trafficking policy.

Sgt. Amanda Larche, a 21-year veteran of the Ottawa Police Service, leads human trafficking investigations and awareness. She trains officers, collaborates on specialized units, and advocates for adapting approaches to better serve survivors and combat trafficking effectively.

Lieutenant Wayne Hissong (Ret) brings 25+ years of domestic and international law enforcement experience. A former Chief of Detectives and UN Deputy Police Commissioner, he now consults on criminal investigations, human trafficking, OSINT, crisis management, and workplace violence prevention.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Clarke has 23 years with the OPP, with 10 years in drug enforcement, street crime, and major crime units. He currently supervises a Human Trafficking unit, working with municipal detectives and supporting victim-centered, trauma-informed approaches.

Christine, Community Education Coordinator at A New Day Youth and Adult Services, transitioned from 15 years as a decorated foster parent with the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa to combating human trafficking, educating thousands through schools, police, and victim services.

Kaitlyn Maki, a Registered Nurse and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, specializes in emergency medicine and harm reduction. As Care Facilitator at The Ottawa Hospital, she supports survivors and her team. A Master's student, she researches barriers to care and healthcare leadership.

Sharon John, a survivor-turned-advocate, overcame addiction and exploitation to earn a Development Services Worker Diploma. With 22 years of sobriety, she fosters children, supports exploited youth, and inspires others through her 2018 TEDx talk on hope and healing.

Robyn Hodge is a social worker with over ten years of experience supporting adults facing mental health, addiction, grief, trauma, and relationship challenges. She holds a Master of Social Work and specializes in trauma counseling and human trafficking support.

Carol Todd advocates for social change by sharing her daughter Amanda's story of bullying, cyberbullying, and exploitation. She empowers others with strategies to combat sextortion and stigma. Carol founded the Amanda Todd Legacy Society and received Canada’s Meritorious Service Cross.